Countless foreign words have been in use in English for a long time. The words mostly from French, Latin, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Chinese and German are used by English speakers the world over along with speakers of English as a second language.
English is a lingua franca that has assimilated words from various languages throughout history. As a result, numerous foreign words are integrated into English, each with its distinct pronunciation. While certain foreign words have been incorporated into English and pronounced according to English phonetics, others still retain their initial pronunciations. This poses a challenge for English speakers to know how to articulate these words accurately.
One of the most prevalent challenges of pronouncing foreign words in English is dealing with the disparities in phonetics between languages. In some languages, certain consonants are pronounced differently than in English, and the same applies to vowels where sounds like “ü” or “ö” are absent in English.
Another hurdle is that the same word can be pronounced differently in different languages, even if spelt identically. For instance, the word “cafe” is articulated as “KAH-fey” in French, but in English, it’s pronounced “KAH-fee.”
When it comes to pronouncing foreign words in English, several strategies can help to get it right. One of them is looking up the word in a dictionary that incorporates pronunciation guides. Nowadays, many online dictionaries have audio recordings that can be especially beneficial.
Another approach is to pay attention to the language of origin. Some languages, such as Spanish and Italian, have very consistent pronunciation rules, so if you know the rules, you can often guess the correct pronunciation of a word. For instance, in Spanish, the letter “c” is always pronounced like an “s” when it precedes an “e” or an “i.”
However, very often the words are used in formal or academic settings; in law, politics, psychology, philosophy and so. Because of their foreign origin, many of the words are missed pronounced by speakers, thanks to their appearance in English letters.
Speakers at the seminar mispronounce, teachers in the classroom mispronounce, and politicians at the stage mispronounce them, thanks to a lack of awareness about their pronunciation and unintentional stance to look up dictionaries.
My intention is to make people familiar with foreign words and their proper pronunciations using some of the most trusted dictionaries in the world, such as Oxford Dictionary, Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English, Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, Collins COBUILD Dictionary and Oxford’s Lexico, I have not only got to know their pronunciations but also recorded them so that learns like me, can get to know about them.
The rationale behind using various dictionaries is that no all words are in a single dictionary while different dictionaries convey varied pronunciations of the same word. I have tried to bring all the different pronunciations together and showed the obvious differences between British and American pronunciations, not the native ones.
I have literally recorded the pronunciations and definitions of the two hundred-plus words with the help of the mentioned dictionaries. Using phonemes or phonetic symbols for Receipt Pronunciation or RP (British) I was able to record British and American and varied pronunciations of the words which I transform them into videos for YouTube, as well.
For Bengali speakers, in order to make the pronunciation intelligible and comprehensible, I expressed each and every word in Bengali letters also. The following lost list will lead you through the foreign words being used in English. Along with expressions of the words in phonetic symbols, language and dictionary sources are also provided. For audio-visual pronunciation, you will have to click the YouTube link given as hyperlinks.
Finally, it’s imperative to exercise patience. Pronouncing foreign words correctly requires practice, and you’re bound to make mistakes along the way. Keep in mind that everyone has an accent, and that’s perfectly fine. As long as you’re striving to articulate the word correctly, you’re making progress.
To sum up, mastering the pronunciation of foreign words used in English can be intricate, but with strategies such as looking up pronunciations in dictionaries and paying attention to the language of origin, you can enhance your skills. With persistent practice, you’ll be able to articulate even the most challenging foreign words with confidence.
| SL. | Words and pronunciations | Origin | Meaning |
| 1 | ab initio UK: /ˌab ɪˈnɪʃɪəʊ/ | Latin | From the beginning. Click to listen |
| 2 | a cappella UK: /ˌæ kæˈpelə/ UK: /ˌɑː kəˈpelə/ US: /ˌæ kəˈpelə/ US: /ˌɑː kəˈpelə/ | Italian | Sung without any musical instruments. Click to listen |
| 3 | à deux /ɑː ˈdəː/ | French | For or involving two people. Click to listen |
| 4 | ad hoc UK: /ˌæd ˈhɒk/ US: /ˌæd ˈhɑːk/ | Latin | Arranged or happening when necessary and not planned in advance. Click to listen |
| 5 | ad infinitum UK: /ˌæd ˌɪnfɪˈnaɪtəm/ US /ˌæd ˌɪnfɪˈnaɪtəm/ US /ˌæd ɪnfəˈnaɪt̬əm/ | Latin | Without ever coming to an end; again, and again. Click to listen |
| 6 | ad hominem UK /ˌæd ˈhɒmɪnem/ US /ˌæd ˈhɑːmɪnem/ | Latin | Directed against a person’s character rather than their argument. Click to listen |
| 7 | ad interim UK: /ad ˈɪntərɪm/ | Latin | For an intervening or temporary period of time. Click to listen |
| 8 | ad nauseam UK: /ˌæd ˈnɔːziæm/ US: /ˌæd ˈnɔːziæm/ | Latin | If a person says or does something ad nauseam, they say or do it again and again so that it becomes boring or annoying. Click to listen |
| 9 | a fortiori UK: /ˌeɪ ˌfɔːtiˈɔːraɪ/ US: /ˌeɪ ˌfɔːrtiˈɔːraɪ/ | Latin | For or with an even stronger reason. For an even stronger reason than one that has already been accepted. Click to listen |
| 10 | agent provocateur UK: /ˌæʒɒ̃ prəˌvɒkəˈtɜː(r)/ US: /ˌɑːʒɑː̃ proʊˌvɑːkəˈtɜːr/ agents provocateurs UK: Pl:/ˌæʒɒ̃ prəˌvɒkəˈtɜː(r)/ US Pl:/ˌɑːʒɑː̃proʊˌvɑːkəˈtɜːr/ | French | A person who is employed by a government to encourage people in political groups to do something illegal so that they can be arrested. |
| 11 | al dente UK: /æl ˈdenti/ US: /æl ˈdenteɪ/ UK /ˌæl ˈdenteɪ/ US /ˌæl ˈdenti/ | Italian | Food, especially pasta that is al dente is still pleasantly firm after it has been cooked. |
| 12 | al fresco UK: /æl ˈfreskəʊ/ US: /æl ˈfreskoʊ/ | Italian | Outdoors |
| 13 | amour propre UK: /ˌæmʊə ˈprɒprə/ US: /ˌɑːmʊr ˈprɔːprə/ | French | A belief and confidence in your own ability and value. A feeling of pride in your own character and abilities. |
| 14 | annus mirabilis UK: /ˌanəs mɪˈrɑːbɪlɪs/ | Latin | A remarkable or auspicious year. |
| 15 | algae UK: /ˈældʒi/ UK: /ˈælɡiː/ US: /ˈældʒiː/ US: /ˈælɡiː/ | Latin | Very simple plants, such as seaweed, that have no real leaves, stems or roots, and that grow in or near water algal. |
| 16 | a posteriori UK: /ˌeɪ pɒsteriˈɔːraɪ / UK: /ˌɑː pɒsteriˈɔːri/ US: /ˌɑː poʊstɪriˈɔːri/ US: / ˌeɪ pɑːstɪriˈɔːri/ | Latin | Using facts that you know now to form a judgment about what must have happened before. |
| 17 | a priori UK: /ˌeɪ praɪˈɔːraɪ/ UK: /ˌɑː priːˈɔːri/ US: /ˌɑː priːˈɔːraɪ/ US: /ˌeɪ priːˈɔːraɪ/ | Latin | Relating to an argument that suggests the probable effects of a known cause, or using general principles to suggest likely effects. |
| 18 | au courant /ˌəʊ kʊˈrɒ̃/ | French | Aware of what is going on; well informed. |
| 19 | au fait UK: /əʊ ˈfeɪ/ US: /oʊˈfeɪ/ | System or way of doing something. | |
| 20 | au fond /əʊ ˈfɒ̃/ /ˌoʊ ˈfɔnd/ US | French | In essence. |
| 21 | beau geste UK:/bəʊ ˈʒɛst/ US: /ˌboʊ ˈʒɛst/ | French | A noble and generous act. |
| 22 | billet-doux UK: /ˌbɪleɪ ˈduː/ US: /ˌbɪleɪ ˈduː/ | A love-letter. | |
| 23 | Blitzkrieg UK: /ˈblɪtskriːɡ/ US: /ˈblɪtskriːɡ/ | German | A sudden military attack intended to win a quick victory. |
| 24 | bona fide UK: /ˌbəʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ US: /ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ | Latin | Genuine, real or legal; not false. |
| 25 | bon mot UK:/ˌbɒn ˈməʊ/ US:/ˌbɒːn ˈmoʊ/ | French | A clever remark— |
| 26 | bon vivant UK: /ˌbɒ̃ viːˈvɒ̃/ US: /ˌbɑːn viːˈvɑːnt/ | French | A person who enjoys going out with friends and eating good food, drinking good wine, etc. |
| 27 | brasserie UK: /ˈbræsəri/ US: /ˌbræsəˈriː/ | French | A type of restaurant, often one in a French style that is not very expensive. |
| 28 | carpe diem UK: /ˌkɑːpeɪ ˈdiːem/ US: /ˌkɑːrpeɪ ˈdiːem/ UK: /ˌkɑːpeɪ ˈdaɪem/ US: /ˌkɑːrpeɪ ˈdaɪem/ | Latin | An expression used when you want to say that somebody should not wait but should take an opportunity as soon as it appears. |
| 29 | cause célèbre UK: /ˌkɔːz seˈlebrə/ US: /ˌkɔːz seˈlebrə/ | French | An issue that attracts a lot of attention and is supported by a lot of people. |
| 30 | c’est la vie UK: /ˌseɪ lɑːˈviː/ US: /sɛ la vi/ | French | Used to express acceptance or resignation in the face of a difficult or unpleasant situation. |
| 31 | chacun à son gout UK: /ʃakən ɑː sɒ˜ ˈguː/ | French | Each to their own taste. |
| 32 | en famille UK: /ɒ̃ faˈmiː/ | French | With one’s family, or as a family. |
| 33 | enfant terrible UK: /ˌɒnfɒn teˈriːblə/ US: /ˌɑːnfɑːn teˈriːblə/ UK: /ˌɒ̃fɒ̃ tɛˈriːbl(ə)/ | French | A young successful person who behaves in a way that is shocking but also amusing. |
| 34 | en masse UK: /ˌɒ̃ ˈmæs/ US: /ˌɑː̃ ˈmæs/ | French | Altogether, and usually in large numbers. |
| 35 | en passant UK: /ˌɒ̃ ˈpæsɒ̃/ US: /ˌɑːn pɑːˈsɑːn/ | French | While talking about something else and without giving much information |
| 36 | Alma Mater UK: /ˌælmə ˈmɑːtə(r)/ UK: /ˌælmə ˈmeɪtə(r)/ US: /ˌælmə ˈmɑːtər/ US: /ˌælmə ˈmeɪtər/ | Latin | The school, college or university that somebody went to. |
| 37 | alter ego UK: /ˌæltər ˈiːɡəʊ/ US: /ˌæltər ˈiːɡoʊ/ US: / ˌɒːltər ˈiːɡoʊ / Oxford: UK: /ˌæltər ˈiːɡəʊ/ UK: /ˌɔːltər ˈiːɡəʊ/ US: /ˌæltər ˈiːɡoʊ/ US: /ˌɔːltər ˈiːɡoʊ/ | Latin | 1. A person whose personality is different from your own but who shows or acts as another side of your personality. 2. A close friend who is very like yourself. |
| 38 | ballet UK: /ˈbæleɪ/ US: /bæˈleɪ/ US: /ˈbæleɪ/ | French | A performance in which dancing, and music tell a story without any speaking: |
| 39 | bête noire UK: /ˌbet ˈnwɑː(r)/ US: /ˌbet ˈnwɑːr/ Plural: UK: /ˌbet ˈnwɑː(r)/ US: /ˌbet ˈnwɑːrz/ | French | A person or thing that particularly annoys you and that you do not like. |
| 40 | bon appétit Longman: UK: /ˌbɒn æpəˈtiː/ US: /ˌboʊn æpeɪ/ Cambridge: UK: /ˌbɒn æpəˈti/ US: /ˌbɑːn æp əˈtit/ | French | Said to someone before they start eating a meal, to tell them you hope they enjoy their food. |
| 41 | bossa nova UK: /ˌbɒsəˈnəʊvə / US: /ˌbɑːsəˈnoʊvə / UK: /ˌbɒsə ˈnəʊvə / US: /ˌbɑːsə ˈnoʊvə / US: /ˌbɔːsə ˈnoʊvə / | Fortu. | A dance that comes from Brazil, or the music for this dance. |
| 42 | bravura UK: /brəˈvjʊərə/ US: /brəˈvjʊrə/ | Italian | Great skill and enthusiasm in doing something artistic. |
| 43 | Café UK: /ˈkæfeɪ/ US: /kæˈfeɪ/ | Italian | A place where you can buy drinks and simple meals. |
| 44 | carte blanche UK: /ˌkɑːt ˈblɑːnʃ US: /ˌkɑːrt ˈblɑːnʃ/ | French | Permission or freedom to do whatever you want. |
| 45 | caveat emptor UK: /ˌkæviæt ˈemptɔː/ US:/ˌkæviæt ˈemptɔːr/ | Latin | The principle that a person who buys something is responsible for finding any faults in the thing they buy |
| 46 | Chocolate UK: /ˈtʃɒklət/ US: /ˈtʃɑːklət/ US: /ˈtʃɔːklət/ UK: /ˈtʃɒklət/ /ˈtʃɒklɪt / US: /ˈtʃɑːkələt/ /ˈtʃɒːklət | Native african | A hard-brown sweet food made from cocoa beans, used in cooking to add flavour to cakes, etc. Or eaten as a sweet/candy. |
| 47 | chow UK: /tʃaʊ/ US: /tʃaʊ/ | Chinese | 1. (Slang) Food 2. (Also ˈchow chow) a dog with long thick hair, a curled tail and a blue-black tongue, originally from china. |
| 48 | chutzpah UK: /ˈxʊtspə/ US: /ˈxʊtspə/ UK: /ˈhʊtspə/ US: /ˈhʊtspə/ UK /ˈhʊtspə/ US: /ˈhʊtspə | Yiddish | Behaviour, or a person’s attitude, that is rude or shocking but so confident that people may feel forced to admire it. Unusual and shocking behaviour, involving taking risks but not feeling guilty. |
| 49 | cognoscenti UK: /ˌkɒnjəʊˈʃenti / US: /ˌkɑːnjə ˈʃenti / | Italian | People who have special knowledge about a subject, especially art, literature, or food. |
| 50 | comme il faut UK: /ˌkɒm ɪl ˈfəʊ/ US: /ˌkɑːm ɪl ˈfoʊ/ | Spanish | Behaving or dressing in the right way in public according to formal rules of social behaviour: Synonym: seemly old-fashioned |
| 51 | compos mentis UK: /ˌkɒmpəs ˈmentɪs/ US:/ˌkɑːmpəs ˈmentɪs/ | Latin | Having full control of your mind. |
| 52 | corpus delicti UK: /ˌkɔːpəs dɪˈlɪktaɪ/ US: /ˌkɔːrpəs dɪˈlɪktaɪ/ /dɪˈlɪktʌɪ/ /ˌkôrpəs dəˈliktī/ /ˌkɔrpəs dəˈlɪktaɪ/ /ˌkôrpəs dəˈliktē/ /ˌkɔrpəs dəˈlɪkti | Latin | 1. The circumstances in which a law is broken, and the facts relating to the case. 2. evidence that can be seen, for example a dead body. 3. The facts and circumstances constituting a crime. |
| 53 | cordon sanitaire UK: /ˌkɔːdɒ̃ sænɪˈteər/ US: /kɔːrˌdɑ̃ː sɑːniˈter/ UK: /ˌkɔːdɒ̃ sænɪˈteər/ US:/kɔːrˌdɑ̃ːsɑːniˈter/ Pl: cordons sanitaires | French | A guarded area around a place or country that prevents people from entering or leaving it: |
| 54 | Cosa Nostra UK: /ˌkəʊzə ˈnɒstrə/ US:/ˌkəʊsə ˈnəʊstrə/ | For the mafia (=a secret criminal organization) in the US | |
| 55 | coup de foudre UK: /ˌkuː də ˈfuːdr(ə)/ US /ˌku də ˈfud(rə)/ | French | A sudden unforeseen event, in particular an instance of love at first sight. |
| 56 | coup de grâce UK: /ˌkuː də ˈɡrɑːs/ US: /ˌkuː də ˈɡrɑːs/ | French | 1. An action or event that finally ends something that has been getting weaker or worse. 2. A hit or shot that finally kills a person or an animal, especially to put an end to their suffering. |
| 57 | coup de main UK: /ˌkuː də ˈmã/ | French | A sudden surprise attack, especially one made by an army during war. |
| 58 | coup de théâtre UK: /ˌkuː də teɪˈɑːtrə/ US: /ˌkuː də teɪˈɑːtrə/ Pl. Coups de théâtre | French | 1. Something very dramatic and surprising that happens, especially in a play. 2. A play, show, etc. Which is very successful. |
| 59 | coup d’état UK: /ˌkuː deɪˈtɑː/ US: /ˌkuː deɪˈtɑː/ | Sudden defeat of a government through illegal force by a small group, often a military one. | |
| 60 | Croissant UK: /ˈkrwæsɒ̃/ US: /krwɑːˈsɑː̃/ US: /krəˈsɑːnt/ UK /ˈkwæs.ɒ̃/ US: /kwɑːˈsɑ̃ː/ | French | A small, sweet roll with a curved shape, eaten especially at breakfast. |
| 61 | cui bono? UK: /ˌkwiː ˈbɒnəʊ/ UK: /ˌkwiː ˈbəʊnəʊ/ US: /ˌkwiː ˈboʊnoʊ/ | Latin | Used for asking who was likely to benefit from a crime, and who therefore is likely to be guilty. |
| 62 | cul-de-sac UK: /ˈkʌl də sæk/ US: /ˈkʌl də sæk/ | French | A street that is closed at one end. |
| 63 | de facto UK: /ˌdeɪ ˈfæktəʊ/ US: /ˌdeɪ ˈfæktoʊ/ | Existing as a fact although it may not be legally accepted as existing Really existing although not legally stated to exist. | |
| 64 | de jure UK: /ˌdeɪ ˈdʒʊəri/ US: /ˌdeɪ ˈdʒʊri/ | Latin | According to the law. |
| 65 | de rigueur UK: /ˌdə rɪˈɡɜː(r)/ US: /ˌdə rɪˈɡɜːr/ | French | Considered necessary if you wish to be accepted socially, |
| 66 | Dei gratia UK: /ˌdeɪiː ˈɡrɑːtɪə/ US: /ˌdeɪiː ˈɡrɑːʃɪə/ | By the grace of God. | |
| 67 | déjà vu UK: /ˌdeɪʒɑː ˈvuː/ US: /ˌdeɪʒɑː ˈvuː/ | The feeling that you have previously experienced something which is happening to you now. | |
| 68 | Delicatessen UK: /ˌdelɪkəˈtesn/ US: /ˌdelɪkəˈtesn/ | German | A shop/store or part of one that sells cooked meats and cheeses, and special or unusual foods that come from other countries. |
| 69 | Deo gratias UK: /ˌdeɪəʊ ˈɡrɑːtɪəs/ US: /ˌdeɪəʊ ˈɡrɑː ʃɪəs/ | Latin | Thanks be to God. |
| 70 | deus ex machina UK: /ˌdeɪʊs eks ˈmækɪnə/ US: /ˌdeɪʊs eks ˈmækɪnə/ | Latin | An unexpected power or event that saves a situation that seems without hope, especially in a play or novel An unnatural or very unlikely end to a story or event, that solves or removes any problems too easily. |
| 71 | dolce far niente UK: /ˌdɒltʃeɪ fɑː nɪˈɛnteɪ/ | Italian | Pleasant idleness. Example: Henry hastened to explain about the joys of dolce far niente’ |
| 72 | doppelgänger UK: /ˈdɒplɡæŋə(r)/ US: /ˈdɑːplɡæŋər/ UK: /ˈdɒplɡeŋə(r)/ US: /ˈdɑːplɡeŋər/ | German | A person’s doppelgänger is another person who looks exactly like them A spirit that looks exactly like a living person, or someone who looks exactly like someone else but who is not related to that person. |
| 73 | double entendre UK: /ˌduːbl ɒ̃ˈtɒ̃drə/ US: /ˌduːbl ɑː̃ˈtɑː̃drə/ | French | A word or phrase that can be understood in two different ways, one of which usually refers to sex. |
| 74 | dramatis personae UK:/ˌdræmətɪs pɜːˈsəʊnaɪ/ US:/ˌdræmətɪs pɜːrˈsoʊnaɪ/ | Latin | All the characters in a play in the theatre. |
| 75 | embarras de richesse UK: /ɒmbəˌrɑː də rɪˈʃɛs/ | French | The state of having an overwhelming or encumbering excess of wealth, resources, or options. Synonyms: An abundance, plethora, profusion. |
| 76 | éminence grise UK: /ˌemɪnɒns ˈɡriːz US: /ˌemɪnɑːns ˈɡriːz/ | French | Someone who has unofficial power, often secretly, through someone else. |
| 77 | entente cordiale UK: /ˌɒntɒnt ˌkɔːdiˈɑːl/ US: /ˌɑːntɑːnt ˌkɔːrdiˈɑːl/ | French | A friendly relationship between two countries, especially between Britain and France |
| 78 | entre nous UK: /ˌɒn.trə ˈnuː/ US: /ˌɑːn.trə ˈnuː/ | French | Used when telling someone something that is secret and should not be told to anyone else: Example: There were master manufacturers there actually that looked and talked as big as himself, and entre nous, a vast deal more cleverly. |
| 79 | entrepreneur UK: /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː(r)/ US: /ˌɑːntrəprəˈnɜːr/ | French | A person who makes money by starting or running businesses, especially when this involves taking financial risk |
| 80 | ersatz UK: /ˈeəzæts/ US: /ˈersɑːts/ | German | Artificial and not as good as the real thing or product. |
| 81 | esprit de corps UK: /eˌspriː də ˈkɔː/ US: /eˌspriː də ˈkɔːr/ | French | Feelings of pride, care and support for each other, etc. That are shared by the members of a group. |
| 82 | eureka UK: /juˈriːkə/ US: /juˈriːkə | Greek | Used to show pleasure at having found something, especially the answer to a problem. |
| 83 | ex gratia UK: /ˌeks ˈɡreɪʃə/ US: /ˌeks ˈɡreɪʃə/ | Latin | Given or done as a gift or favour, not because there is a legal duty to do it. |
| 84 | ex officio UK: /ˌeks əˈfɪʃiəʊ/ US: /ˌeks əˈfɪʃioʊ/ | Latin | Included or allowed because of your job, position or rank. An ex-officio member of an organization is only a member because of their rank or position. |
| 85 | fait accompli UK: /ˌfet əkɒmˈpliː/ US: /ˌfeɪt əkɑːmˈpliː/ | French | Something that has already happened or been done and cannot be changed: |
| 86 | fata Morgana UK:/ˌfɑːtə mɔːˈɡɑːnə/ US: /ˌfädə ˌmôrˈɡänə/ US: /ˌfɑdə ˌmɔrˈɡɑnə/ | Latin | A mirage. |
| 87 | faute de mieux UK: /ˌfəʊt də ˈmjɜː/ US: /ˌfoʊt də ˈmjɜː/ | French | Because there is nothing else that is better. |
| 88 | faux pas UK: /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑː/ US: /ˌfoʊ ˈpɑː UK: /ˌfəʊ ˈpɑːz/ US: /ˌfoʊ ˈpɑːz/ Pl. faux pas | French | An action or a remark that causes embarrassment because it is not socially correct., Words or behaviour that are a social mistake or not polite: |
| 89 | femme fatale UK: /ˌfæm fəˈtɑːl/ US: /ˌfem fəˈtæl/ | French | Avery beautiful woman that men find sexually attractive but who brings them trouble or unhappiness. |
| 90 | fête champêtre UK: /ˌfɛt ʃɒ̃ˈpɛtr(ə)/ | French | An outdoor entertainment such as a garden party. |
| 91 | fiasco UK: /fiˈæskəʊ/ US: /fiˈæskoʊ/ | Italian | Something that does not succeed, often in a way that causes embarrassment. |
| 92 | fin de siècle UK: /ˌfæn də siːˈeklə/ US: /ˌfæn də siːˈeklə/ /ˌfæn də ˈsjeklə/ UK: /ˌfæ̃ də ˈsjekl/ US: /ˌfæ̃ də ˈsjekl/ | French | Relating to the end of the 19th century, especially the art, culture, and morals of the period. |
| 93 | folie de grandeur UK: /ˌfɒlɪ də ɡrɒ̃ˈdəː/ | French | Delusions of grandeur. |
| 94 | force majeure UK: /ˌfɔːs mæˈʒɜː(r)/ US: /ˌfɔːrs mæˈʒɜːr/ | French | Unexpected circumstances, such as war, that can be used as an excuse when they prevent somebody from doing something that is written in a contract |
| 95 | gemütlich UK: /ɡəˈmuːtlɪx/ US: /ɡəˈmutlɪk/ | German | Pleasant and cheerful. |
| 96 | genre UK: /ˈʒɒ̃rə/ UK: /ˈʒɒnrə/ US: /ˈʒɑːnrə/ | French | A particular type or style of literature, art, film or music that you can recognize because of its special features. |
| 97 | gesundheit UK: /ɡəˈzʊndhaɪt/ US: /ɡəˈzʊndhaɪt/ | German | Used when somebody has sneezed to wish them good health. |
| 98 | gîte UK: /ʒiːt/ US: /ʒiːt/ | French | A holiday house for renting in France. |
| 99 | grande dam UK: /ɡrɒ̃d ˈdam/ | French | A woman holding an influential position within a particular sphere. |
| 100 | guerrilla UK: /ɡəˈrɪlə/ US: /ɡəˈrɪlə/ | Spanish | A member of a small group of soldiers who are not part of an official army and who fight against official soldiers, usually to try to change the government |
| 101 | habeas corpus UK: /ˌheɪb.əs ˈkɔːpəs/ US: /ˌheɪbiəs ˈkɔːrpəs/ | Latin | A legal order that states that a person in prison must appear before and be judged by a court of law before he or she can be forced by law to stay in prison A law that states that a person who has been arrested should not be kept in prison longer than a particular period of time unless a judge in court has decided that it is right to apply for a writ of habeas corpus |
| 102 | haut monde UK: /əʊ ˈmɒ̃d/ | French | Fashionable society. |
| 103 | haute couture UK: /ˌəʊt kuˈtjʊə(r)/ US: /ˌoʊt kuˈtʊr/ | French | The business of making and selling expensive and fashionable clothes for women |
| 104 | haute cuisine UK: /ˌəʊt kwɪˈziːn/ US: /ˌoʊt kwɪˈziːn | French | Cooking of a very high standard |
| 105 | hoi polloi UK: /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/ US: /ˌhɔɪ pəˈlɔɪ/ | Greek | An insulting word for ordinary people. Anthony will be in the vip lounge where he doesn’t have to mix with the hoi polloi. |
| 106 | Hors d’oeuvre UK: /ɔː ˈdəːv/ /ɔːˈdəːvr(ə)/ US: /ôr ˈdərv/ /ɔr ˈdərv/ | French | A small savoury dish, typically one served as an appetizer. Example: ‘A trolley laden with fifteen different hors d’oeuvres’. |
| 107 | hors de combat UK: /ˌɔː də ˈkɒ̃bɑː/ US: /ˌɔːr də koʊmˈbɑː | French | Unable to fight or to take part in an activity, especially because you are injured. |
| 108 | idée fixe UK: /ˌiː.deɪ ˈfiːks/ US: /ˌiː.deɪ ˈfiːks/ UK:/ˌiː.deɪ ˈfiːks/ US:/ˌiː.deɪ ˈfiːks/ Plu: idées fixes | French | A belief that someone refuses to change their mind about, even though it may be wrong. |
| 109 | in absentia UK: /ˌɪn æbˈsenʃiə/ US: /ˌɪn æbˈsenʃiə/ | Latin | While the person involved is not present: |
| 110 | in camera UK: /ˌɪn ˈkæm.rə/ US: /ˌɪn ˈkæm.rə | Latin | In private, without the public, newspaper reporters, etc. Being there: |
| 111 | in extremis UK: /ˌɪn ɪkˈstriːmɪs/ US: /ˌɪn ɪkˈstriːmɪs | Latin | 1. in a very difficult situation when very strong action is needed. 2. At the moment of death. |
| 112 | in flagrante UK:/ˌɪn fləˈɡræn.teɪ/ US: /ˌɪn fləˈɡræn.teɪ/ UK: /ˌɪn fləˈɡrænti/ US: /ˌɪn fləˈɡrænti | French | The act of doing something wrong, especially having sex with someone who is not your husband, wife, or usual partner: If somebody is found or caught in flagrante, they are discovered doing something that they should not be doing, especially having sex |
| 113 | in flagrante delicto US: /ˌɪn fləˌɡrɑnˌteɪ dəˈlɪkˌtoʊ UK: /ɪn fləˌɡranteɪ dɪˈlɪktəʊ/ | Latin | In the very act of wrongdoing, especially in an act of sexual misconduct. |
| 114 | in loco parentis UK: /ɪn ˌləʊkəʊ pəˈrentɪs/ US: /ɪn ˌloʊkoʊ pəˈrentɪs/ | Latin | Being responsible for a child while the child’s parents are absent: Having the same responsibility for a child as a parent has Parenting and caring for children. |
| 115 | in medias res UK: /ɪn ˌmiːdiæs ˈreɪz/ US: /ɪn ˌmiːdiæs ˈreɪz UK: /ɪn ˌmiː.di.æs ˈreɪs/ US: /ɪn ˌmiː.di.æs ˈreɪs | Latin | Straight into the main part of a story or account without giving any introduction A Latin expression that refers to a story, or the action of a play, etc. Starting without any introduction: |
| 116 | in propria persona UK: /ɪn ˌprəʊprɪə pəːˈsəʊnə/ US: /ˌɪn ˌproʊpriə pərˈsoʊnə | Latin | In his or her own person. |
| 117 | in situ UK: /ˌɪn ˈsɪtjuː/ UK: /ˌɪn ˈsaɪtjuː/ | Latin | In the original or correct place In the appropriate position |
| 118 | in toto UK: /ˌɪn ˈtəʊtəʊ/ US: /ˌɪn ˈtoʊtoʊ/ | Latin | Completely, including all parts |
| 119 | inter alia UK: /ˌɪntər ˈeɪliə/ US: /ˌɪntər ˈeɪliə/ | Latin | Among other things |
| 120 | ipso facto UK: /ˌɪpsəʊ ˈfæktəʊ/ US: /ˌɪpsoʊ ˈfæktoʊ/ | Latin | Because of the fact that has been mentioned. |
| 121 | je ne sais quoi UK: /ˌʒə nə seɪ ˈkwɑː/ US: /ˌʒə nə seɪ ˈkwɑː/ | French | A good quality that is difficult to describe French for ‘I don’t know what’. |
| 122 | jeu d’esprit UK: /ʒəː dɛˈspriː/ | French | A light-hearted display of wit and cleverness, especially in a work of literature. |
| 123 | jeunesse dorée UK: /ʒəːˌnɛs ˈdɔːreɪ/ /ʒəˌnɛs dɔˈreɪ/ | French | Fashionable, wealthy young people. |
| 124 | joie de vivre UK: /ˌʒwʌ də ˈviːvrə/ US: /ˌʒwʌ də ˈviːvrə/ [ RyDAv:`v fxåv ] | French | A feeling of great happiness and enjoyment of life |
| 125 | karaoke UK: /ˌkæriˈəʊki/ US: /ˌkɑːrəˈoʊki/ UK: /ˌkæriˈəʊki/ US: /ˌkæriˈoʊki/ | Japan | An activity that people do for entertainment, in which someone sings a popular song while a karaoke machine plays the music to the song: |
| 126 | katzenjammer UK: /ˈkatzənˌdʒamə/ /ˈkætsənˌdʒæmər/ | German | 1. Confusion; uproar. 2. A hangover; a severe headache resulting from a hangover. |
| 127 | ketchup / catchup UK: /ˈketʃəp/ US: /ˈketʃəp/ | Chinese | A thick cold sauce made from tomatoes, usually sold in bottles |
| 128 | kindergarten UK:/ˈkɪndəɡɑːtn/ US: /ˈkɪndərɡɑːrtn/ | German | 1. ( US: ) a school or class to prepare children aged five for school. 2. (UK., Austr., NZE) = nursery school. |
| 129 | klutz UK: /klʌts/ US: /klʌts/ | Yiddish | A person who often drops things, is not good at sport(s), etc. |
| 130 | la dolce vita UK: /lɑː ˌdɒltʃeɪ ˈviːtə/ US: /lɑː ˌdoultʃeɪ ˈviːtə/ | Italian | A life of pleasure and expensive things, without any worries |
| 131 | laissez-faire UK: /ˌleseɪ ˈfeə(r)/ US: / ˌleseɪ ˈfer/ UK /ˌleɪ.seɪˈfeər/ US /ˌleɪ.seɪˈfer/ | French | The policy of allowing private businesses to develop without government control |
| 132 | Lingerie UK: /ˈlænʒəri/ US: /ˌlɑːndʒəˈreɪ/ | French | (Used especially by shops/stores) women’s underwear |
| 133 | lingua franca UK: /ˌlɪŋɡwə ˈfræŋkə/ | Italian | A language used between people whose main languages are different. A shared language of communication used between people whose main languages are different |
| 134 | locum tenens UK: /ˌləʊkəm ˈtiːnɛnz/ /ˌləʊkəm ˈtɛnɛnz/ | Latin | Full form of locum |
| 135 | locus classicus UK:/ˌləʊkəs ˈklasɪkəs/ /ˌlɒkəs ˈklasɪkəs/ US: /ˌloʊkəs ˈklæsəkəs/ | Latin | A passage considered to be the best known or most authoritative on a particular subject. |
| 136 | macho UK: /ˈmætʃəʊ/ US: /ˈmɑːtʃoʊ/ | Spanish | Male in an aggressive way he’s too macho to ever admit he was wrong. |
| 137 | magnum opus UK: /ˌmæɡ.nəm ˈəʊ.pəs/ US: /ˌmæɡ.nəm ˈoʊ.pəs/ | Latin | The most important piece of work done by a writer or artist: |
| 138 | mandamus UK: /mænˈdeɪməs/ | An official order from a court of law stating that a person or organization must do a particular thing. | |
| 139 | manqué UK: /ˈmɒŋkeɪ/ US: /mɑːŋˈkeɪ/ | French | (Formal or humorous) used to describe a person who hoped to follow a particular career but who failed in it or never tried it. He’s really an artist manqué. |
| 140 | mea culpa/ˌmeɪə ˈkʊlpə/ | Latin | Used humorously to admit that something is your fault |
| 141 | memento mori UK: /məˌmentəʊ ˈmɔːri/ US: /məˌmentoʊ ˈmɔːri/ UK: /məˌmentəʊ ˈmɔːraɪ/ US: /məˌmentoʊ ˈmɔːraɪ | Latin | An object or symbol that reminds or warns you of death. |
| 142 | ménage à trois UK: /ˌmeɪnɑːʒ ɑː ˈtrwʌ/ US: /ˌmeɪnɑːʒ ɑː ˈtrwʌ/ UK: /meɪˌnɑːʒ ɑː ˈtrwɑː/ US: /meɪˌnɑːʒ ɑː ˈtrwɑː/ UK: /ˌmeɪnɑːʒ ɑː ˈtrwɑː/ US: məˌnɑːʒ ˈtrwɑː/ | French | A situation where three people, especially a husband, wife and lover, live together and have sexual relationships with each other. An arrangement in which three people live together and have sexual relationships with each other. A sexual relationship involving three people who live together. |
| 143 | modus operandi UK: /ˌməʊdəs ˌɒpəˈrændiː/ US: /ˌmoʊdəs ˌɑːpəˈrændiː/ | Latin | A particular method of working A way of doing something that is typical of a particular person or group. |
| 144 | modus vivendi UK: /ˌməʊdəs vɪˈvendiː/ US: /ˌmoʊdəs vɪˈvendiː/ | Latin | An arrangement that is made between people, institutions or countries who have very different opinions or ideas, so that they can live or work together without arguing. Example: The two states reached a kind of modus vivendi. |
| 145 | mot juste UK: /ˌməʊ ˈʒuːst/ US: /ˌmoʊ ˈʒuːst/ | French | The exact word that is appropriate for the situation. |
| 146 | ne plus ultra UK: /ˌneɪ plʊs ˈʊltrɑː/ US: /ˌneɪ plʊs ˈʊltrə/ UK: /ˌneɪ plʌs ˈʌltrə/ US:/ˌneɪ plʌs ˈʌltrə | Latin | The perfect example of something The best or most excellent example of something. |
| 147 | nil desperandum UK: /ˌdɛspəˈrandəm/ /ˌnɪl ˌdɛspəˈrɑndəm/ | Latin | Do not despair; never despair. |
| 148 | noblesse oblige UK: /nəʊˌbles əˈbliːʒ/ US: /noʊˌbles əˈbliːʒ/ UK /nəʊˌbles əʊˈbliːʒ/ US: /noʊˌbles oʊˈbliːʒ/ | French | The idea that people who have special advantages of wealth, etc. Should help other people who do not have these advantages The idea that people who belong to a high social class should behave in a kind and generous way towards people of a lower social class The idea that someone with power and influence should use their social position to help other people |
| 149 | nolens volens UK: /ˌnəʊlɛnz ˈvəʊlɛnz/ US: /ˌnoʊlənz ˈvoʊlənz/ | Latin | Whether a person wants or likes something or not. |
| 150 | non sequitur UK: /ˌnɒn ˈsekwɪtə(r)/ US: /ˌnɑːn ˈsekwɪtər/ | Latin | A statement that does not seem to follow what has just been said in any natural or logical way A conclusion or statement that does not logically follow from the previous argument or statement. |
| 151 | nouveau riche UK: /ˌnuːvəʊ ˈriːʃ/ US: /ˌnuːvoʊ ˈriːʃ/ | French | A person who has recently become rich and likes to show how rich they are in a very obvious way. |
| 152 | objet d’art UK: /ɒbʒeɪ ˈdɑː/ US: /ˌɔbʒeɪ ˈdɑr/ | French | A small decorative or artistic object, typically when regarded as a collectable item. |
| 153 | off-piste UK: /ˌɒfˈpiːst/ US: /ˌɑːfˈpiːst/ | French | Used to refer to skiing that is done on areas of snow that have not been specially prepared for skiing on: |
| 154 | on dit UK: /ɒ̃ ˈdiː/ | French | A piece of gossip; a rumour. Example: ‘the latest on dit on Karl’. |
| 155 | origami UK: /ˌɒrɪˈɡɑːmi/ US: /ˌɔːrɪˈɡɑːmi/ | Japan | The art of making objects for decoration by folding sheets of paper into shapes: |
| 156 | papabile UK: /pəˈpɑːbɪleɪ/ /pəˈpɑːbɪli/ | Italian | Worthy of being or eligible to be pope. |
| 157 | Paparazzo UK: /ˌpæpəˈrætsəʊ/ US: /ˌpæpəˈrætsoʊ/ UK: /ˌpæpəˈrætsi/ US: ˌpæpəˈrætsi Pl. Paparazzi | Italian | A photographer who follows famous people around in order to get interesting photographs of them to sell to a newspaper. |
| 158 | par excellence UK: /ˌpɑːr ˈeksəlɑːns/ US: /ˌpɑːr ˌeksəˈlɑːns/ UK :/ˌpɑːrˌek.se ˈlɑ̃ːns/ US: /ˌpɑːrˌek.se ˈlɑ̃ːns/ | French | (Only used after the noun it describes) better than all the others of the same kind; a very good example of something. You describe something as par excellence when it is the best example of its type. |
| 159 | parti pris UK: /ˌpɑːtɪ ˈpriː/ US: /ˌpɑrdi ˈpri/ | French | A preconceived view; a bias. Prejudiced; biased. |
| Penchant UK: /ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃ US: /ˈpentʃənt/ | French | ||
| 160 | patio UK: /ˈpætiəʊ/ US: /ˈpætioʊ | Spanish | A flat hard area outside, and usually behind, a house where people can sit. |
| 161 | per annum UK: /pər ˈænəm/ US: /pər ˈænəm/ | Latin | For each year earning £30 000 per annum |
| 162 | per capita UK: /pə ˈkæpɪtə/ US: /pər ˈkæpɪtə/ | Latin | If you express an amount per capita, you mean that amount for each person: |
| 163 | per se UK: /ˌpɜː ˈseɪ/ US: /ˌpɜːr ˈseɪ/ | Latin | Used meaning ‘by itself’ to show that you are referring to something on its own, rather than in connection with other things. Used to say that something is being considered alone, not with other connected things: By or of itself: |
| 164 | persona non grata UK: /pɜːˌsəʊnə nɒn ˈɡrɑːtə/ US: /pɜːrˌsoʊnə nɑːn ˈɡrɑːtə/ UK: /pɜːˌsəʊnə nəʊn ˈɡrɑːtə/ UK: /pəˌsəʊnə nɒn ˈɡrɑːtə/ US: /pɚˌsoʊnə nɑːn ˈɡrɑːt̬ə/ UK/pəˌsəʊniː nɒn ˈɡrɑːtiː/ US/pɚˌsoʊniː nɑːn ˈɡrɑːt̬iː/ Pl: personae non gratae | Latin | A person who is not welcome in a particular place because of something they have said or done, especially one who is told to leave a country by the government. To be not welcome in a particular place because of something that you have done – used especially when a foreign government orders you to go home. |
| 165 | pièce de résistance UK: /piˌes də reziːˈstɑːns/ UK: /ˌpjes də reˈzɪstɒ̃s/ US: /ˌpjes də reˈzɪstɑːns | French | The best or most important thing in a series, which comes after everything else: The most important or impressive part of a group or series of things of all the events. |
| 166 | pied-à-terre UK: /ˌpjeɪd ɑː ˈteə(r)/ US: /ˌpjeɪd ɑː ˈter/ | French | A small flat/apartment, usually in a town, that you do not live in as your main home but keep for use when necessary. |
| 167 | Piñata UK: /pɪnˈjɑːtə/ US: /pɪnˈjɑːtə/ | Spanish | (In Spanish-speaking communities in the US) A brightly decorated figure, filled with toys and sweets/candy, which children try to hit with a stick with their eyes covered in order to break it open, as a party game. |
| 168 | pis aller UK: /piːz ˈaleɪ/ US: /ˌpiz əˈleɪ/ | French | A course of action followed as a last resort. |
| 169 | plat du jour UK: /ˌplɑː dʊ ˈʒʊə/ US: /ˌplɑː dʊ ˈʒʊr/ UK: /ˌpla d(j)uː ˈʒʊə/ US: /ˌplɑ də ˈʒʊr/ | French | A dish that a restaurant prepares specially on a particular day in addition to its usual food. A dish specially prepared by a restaurant on a particular day, in addition to the usual menu. |
| 170 | Plaza UK: /ˈplɑːzə/ US: /ˈplæzə/ | Spanish | 1. A public outdoor square especially in a town where Spanish is spoken. 2. a small shopping centre, sometimes also with offices |
| 171 | plus ça change UK: /ˌpluː sa ˈʃɒ̃ʒ/ /ply sa ʃɑ̃ʒ/ | French | Used to express resigned acknowledgement of the fundamental immutability of human nature and institutions. |
| 172 | pococurante UK: /ˌpəʊkəʊkjʊˈranti/ | Italian | Indifferent or unconcerned. |
| 173 | poltergeist UK: /ˈpəʊltəɡaɪst/ UK: /ˈpɒltəɡaɪst/ US: /ˈpoʊltərɡaɪst/ | German | A ghost that makes loud noises and throws objects |
| 174 | prima donna UK:/ˌpriːmə ˈdɒnə/ US: /ˌpriːmə ˈdɑːnə/ | Italian | 1. The main woman singer in an opera performance or an opera company. 2. (Disapproving) A person who thinks they are very important because they are good at something, and who behaves badly when they do not get what they want. |
| 175 | prima facie UK:/ˌpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃi/ US: /ˌpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃi/ US: /ˌpraɪmə ˈfeɪʃə | Latin | Based on what at first seems to be true, although it may be proved false later. At first sight (= based on what seems to be the truth when first seen or heard): |
| 176 | primus inter pares UK: /ˌpriːməs ɪntə ˈpɑːriːz/ /ˌprʌɪməs ɪntə ˈpɑːriːz / /ˌpraɪməs ˌɪn(t)ər ˈpɛriz/ | Latin | A first among equals; the senior or representative member of a group. |
| 177 | pro bono UK: /ˌprəʊ ˈbəʊnəʊ/ US: /ˌproʊ ˈboʊnoʊ/ | Latin | (Especially of legal work) done without asking for payment. |
| 178 | pro forma UK: /ˌprəʊ ˈfɔːmə/ US: /ˌproʊ ˈfɔːrmə | Latin | 1. Pro forma words or actions are usual or done in the usual way: A pro forma declaration of loyalty. 2. A list of things that have been ordered, sent with their prices to a customer so that the things can be paid for before they are delivered. 3. Used to describe financial results which are not final but give an idea of what is expected before the real results are known. 4. A particular type of letter, document, etc. that is created as an example to show how others of the same type should be written or prepared: |
| 179 | pro rata UK: /ˌprəʊ ˈrɑːtə/ US: /ˌproʊ ˈrɑːtə/ UK :/ˌprəʊ ˈrɑːtə/ US: /proʊ ˈreɪtə/ | Latin | (Of a payment or share of something) calculated according to how much of something has been used, the amount of work done, etc. Calculated according to, or as a share of, the fixed rate for a larger total amount: |
| 180 | proxime accessit UK: /ˌprɒksɪmeɪ akˈsɛsɪt/ /ˌprɒksɪmi akˈsɛsɪt / | Latin | Used to US: the person who comes second in an examination or is runner-up for an award. |
| 181 | que sera sera UK: /ˈkeɪ sərɑː sərɑː/ | Spanish | Used to convey a fatalistic recognition that future events are out of the speaker’s control. |
| 182 | quid pro quo UK:/ˌkwɪd prəʊ ˈkwəʊ/ US: /ˌkwɪd proʊ ˈkwoʊ | Latin | A thing given in return for something else Something that is given to a person in return for something they have done. The government has promised food aid as a quid pro quo for the stopping of violence. |
| 183 | raison d’être UK:/ˌreɪzɒ̃ ˈdɛtrə/ US: /ˌreɪzɔn ˈdɛtrə/ | French | The most important reason or purpose for someone or something’s existence. |
| 184 | reductio ad absurdum UK:/rɪˌdʌktiəʊ æd æbˈsɜːdəm/ US:/rɪˌdʌktioʊ æd æbˈsɜːrdəm/ | Latin | A method of proving that something is not true by showing that its result is not logical or sensible. A method of proving the falsity of a premise by showing that its logical consequence is absurd or contradictory. |
| 185 | rendezvous UK:/ˈrɒndɪvuː/ US: /ˈrɑːndɪvuː/ UK: /ˈrɒndeɪvuː/ US: /ˈrɑːndeɪvuː/ Pl. Rendezvous UK: /ˈrɒndɪvuːz/ US: /ˈrɑːndɪvuːz/ UK: / ˈrɒndeɪvuːz/ US: /ˈrɑːndeɪvuːz/ | French | 1. An arrangement to meet somebody at a particular time and place. 2. A place where people have arranged to meet 3. A bar, etc. that is a popular place for people to meet. |
| 186 | Renaissance UK: /rɪˈneɪsns/ US: /ˈrenəsɑːns/ | French | 1. the Renaissance the period in Europe during the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries when people became interested in the ideas and culture of ancient Greece and Rome and used these influences in their own art, literature, etc. 2. A situation when there is new interest in a particular subject, form of art, etc. after a period when it was not very popular revival. |
| 187 | roman-à-clef UK: /ˌrəʊmɒ̃ɑːˈkleɪ/ US: / roʊˌmɑːn ɑː ˈkleɪ/ | French | A novel based on the actions of real people, who are given different names in the novel so that they seem to be invented characters and not real. |
| 188 | rucksack UK: /ˈrʌksæk/ US: /ˈrʌksæk/ | German | A large bag, often supported on a light metal frame, carried on the back and used especially by people who go climbing or walking. |
| 189 | safari UK: /səˈfɑːri/ US: /səˈfɑːri/ | Swahili | 1 a trip to see or hunt wild animals, especially in east or southern Africa. 2. a journey; a period of time spent travelling or when you are not at home or working. |
| 190 | sangfroid UK: /sɒŋˈfrwɑː/US: /sɑːŋˈfrwɑː/ | French | The ability to remain calm in a difficult or dangerous situation. |
| 191 | savoir faire UK:/ˌsævwɑː ˈfeə(r)/ US: /ˌsævwɑːr ˈfer/ | French | The ability to behave in the appropriate way in social situation. |
| 192 | Schadenfreude UK: /ˈʃɑːdnfrɔɪdə/ US: /ˈʃɑːdnfrɔɪdə/ | German | A feeling of pleasure at the bad things that happen to other people. |
| 193 | schmooze UK: /ʃmuːz/ US: /ʃmuːz/ | To talk informally with someone, especially in a way that is not sincere or to win some advantage for yourself. | |
| 194 | siesta UK: /siˈestə/ US: /siˈestə/ | Spanish | A rest or sleep taken in the early afternoon, especially in hot countries. |
| 195 | sine die UK: /ˌsaɪni ˈdaɪiː/ US: /ˌsaɪni ˈdaɪiː/ UK: /ˌsɪneɪ ˈdiːeɪ/ US: /ˌsɪneɪ ˈdiːeɪ/ UK:/ˌsɪneɪˈdiːeɪ/ /ˌsaɪniˈdaɪiː/ US: /ˌsaɪniˈdaɪ/ /ˌsɪneɪˈdiːeɪ / | Latin | Without a future date being arranged. Without arranging a future date for something. |
| 196 | sine qua non UK: /ˌsɪneɪ kwɑː ˈnəʊn/ US: /ˌsɪneɪ kwɑː ˈnoʊn/ | Latin | Something that is essential before you can achieve something else. Something that you must have, or which must exist, before something else can happen. |
| 197 | smorgasbord UK: /ˈsmɔːɡəsbɔːd/ US: /ˈsmɔːrɡəsbɔːrd/ | Swedish | A meal at which you serve yourself from a large range of hot and cold dishes. |
| 198 | soi-disant UK: /ˌswɑː diːˈzɒ̃/ US: /ˌswɑː diːˈzɑː̃ | French | Used to show somebody’s description of himself/herself, usually when you do not agree with it |
| 199 | Soignée UK: /ˈswɑːnjeɪ/ US: /swɑːnˈjeɪ/ | French | (Of a woman) elegant; carefully and neatly dressed. |
| 200 | sotto voce UK: /ˌsɒtəʊ ˈvəʊtʃi/ US: /ˌsɑːtoʊ ˈvoʊtʃi/ | Italian | In a quiet voice so that not everyone can hear |
| 201 | soupçon UK: /ˈsuːpsɒn/ US: /ˈsuːpsɑːn/ | French | A very small amount there was a soupçon of malice in her remark. Add just a soupçon of garlic. |
| 202 | spiel UK: /ʃpiːl/, /spiːl/ US: /ʃpiːl/, /spiːl/ | German | A long speech that somebody has used many times, that is intended to persuade you to believe something or buy something. |
| 203 | status quo UK: /ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwəʊ/ US: /ˌsteɪtəs ˈkwoʊ/ | Latin | The situation as it is now, or as it was before a recent change. Present situation. |
| 204 | sub judice UK: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəsi/ US: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəsi/ UK: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəseɪ/ US: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəseɪ/ UK: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəkeɪ/ US: /ˌsʌb ˈdʒuːdəkeɪ/ UK: /ˌsʌbˈdʒuːdɪsi/ US: /ˈdʒuːdɪsi/, /ˈjuːdɪkeɪ/ | Latin | If a legal case is sub judice, it is still being discussed in court and it is therefore illegal for anyone to talk about it in newspapers, etc. A legal case being considered sub judice is now being dealt with by a court, and therefore is not allowed to be publicly discussed, for example in a newspaper. |
| 205 | sub rosa UK: /sʌb ˈrəʊzə/ | Latin | Happening or done in secret. ‘sub rosa inspections’ |
| 206 | sui generis UK: /ˌsuːi ˈdʒenərɪs/ US: /ˌsuːi ˈdʒenərɪs/ UK: /ˌsuːi ˈɡenərɪs/ US: /ˌsuːi ˈɡenərɪs/ UK: /ˌsuːaɪ ˈdʒenərɪs/ US: /ˌsuːaɪ ˈdʒenərɪs/ UK: /ˌsuːaɪ ˈɡenərɪs/ US: /ˌsuːaɪ ˈɡenərɪs/ | Latin | Different from all other people or things; Unique. |
| 207 | table d’hôte UK: /ˌtɑːbl(ə) ˈdəʊt/ /tabl dot/ | French | A restaurant meal offered at a fixed price and with few if any choices |
| 208 | UK: /ˌtaɪ ˌkwɒn ˈdəʊ/ Tae kwon do US: /ˌtaɪ ˌkwɑːn ˈdoʊ/ | Korean | A Korean system of fighting without weapons, similar to karate. |
| 209 | tant mieux UK: /tɒ̃ ˈmjəː/ /tɑ̃ mjø/ | French | So much the better. |
| 210 | tant pis UK: /tɒ̃ ˈpiː/ /tɑ̃ pi/ | French | So much the worse; the situation is regrettable but now beyond retrieval. |
| 211 | terra firma UK: /ˌterə ˈfɜːmə/ US: /ˈfɜːrmə/ | Latin | Safe dry land, as contrasted with water or air. |
| 212 | terra incognita UK: /ˌter.ə ɪŋˈkɒɡ.nɪ.tə/ US: /ˌter.ə ɪnˈkɑːɡ.niː.t̬ə | Latin | A place, subject, or situation that you are not familiar with: |
| 213 | tête-à-tête UK: /ˌteɪt ɑː ˈteɪt/ US: /ˌteɪt ɑː ˈteɪt | French | A private conversation between two people. |
| 214 | the avant-garde UK: /ˌævɒ̃ ˈɡɑːd/ US: /ˌævɑː̃ ˈɡɑːrd/ | French | 1. New and very modern ideas in art, music or literature that are sometimes surprising or shocking. 2. A group of artists, etc. who introduce new and very modern ideas. |
| 215 | tour de force UK: /ˌtʊə də ˈfɔːs/ US: /ˌtʊr də ˈfɔːrs | Something that is done very skilfully and successfully, and is very impressive: | |
| 216 | tout de suite UK: /ˌtuː də ˈswiːt/ /tu d(ə) sɥit/ | Immediately, at once. | |
| 217 | tsunami UK: /tsuːˈnɑːmi/ (t)suˈnɑmi US: /tsuːˈnɑːmi/ | Japanese | An extremely large wave in the sea caused, for example, by an earthquake. |
| 218 | tycoon UK: /taɪˈkuːn/ US: /taɪˈkuːn/ | Japanese | A person who is successful in business or industry and has become rich and powerful |
| 219 | unheimlich UK: /ʊnˈhʌɪmlɪx/ | German | Uncanny; weird. |
| 220 | vendetta UK:/venˈdetə/ US: /venˈdetə/ | Italian | 1. A long and violent disagreement between two families or groups, in which people are murdered in return for previous murders feud. 2. (against somebody) a long argument or disagreement in which one person or group does or says things to harm another |
| 221 | verboten UK: /vəːˈbəʊt(ə)n/ /fɛɐˈboːtn/ | German | Forbidden, especially by an authority. |
| 222 | via media UK: /viːə ˈmɛdɪə/ / viːə ˈmiːdɪə / vēə ˈmēdēə/ /ˌviə ˈmidiə/ /ˈˌvīə ˈmēdēə/ /ˈˌvaɪə ˈmidiə/ /ˈˌvēə ˈmādēə/ /ˈˌviə ˈmeɪdiə/ /ˈˌvīə ˈmādēə/ /ˈˌvaɪə ˈmeɪdiə/ | Latin | A middle way or compromise between extremes. |
| 223 | victor ludorum UK: /luːˈdɔːrəm/ | Latin | A boy or man who is the overall champion in a sports competition, especially at a school or college. |
| 224 | vis-à-vis UK: /ˌviːz ɑː ˈviː/ US: /ˌviːz ɑː ˈviː/ | French | 1. in relation to Example: Britain’s role vis-à-vis the United States. 2. in comparison with |
| 225 | vox populi UK: /vɒks ˈpɒpjʊliː/ /vɒks ˈpɒpjʊlʌɪ/ | Latin | The opinions or beliefs of the majority. |
| 226 | waltz UK: /wɔːls/ US: /wɔːlts/ | German | A dance in which two people dance together to a regular rhythm: a piece of music for this dance. |
| 227 | wunderkin UK: /ˈwʊndəkɪnd/ US: /ˈwʊndərkɪnd | German | A person who is very successful at a young age. |
| 228 | Yin and yang UK: /bəˈbʊʃkə/ US: /bəˈbʊʃkə/ UK: /ˈbæbʊʃkə/ US: /ˈbæbʊʃkə/ | Chinese | 1 a Russian old woman or grandmother 2 a traditional Russian woman’s headscarves, tied under the chin |
| 229 | zeitgeist UK: /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ US: /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ | German | The general mood or quality of a particular period of history, as shown by the ideas, beliefs, etc. Common at the time. The general spirit or feeling of a period in history, as shown by people’s ideas and beliefs at the time |